Forensic Science International[JOURNAL]
Sun
200 papers
Advancing justice: Insights from exceptional cases.
Prieto L, Parson W
Forensic Sci Int Genet · 2026 Jun · PMID 42309884 · Publisher ↗
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High accuracy, low validity: A critical appraisal of machine learning applications in forensic thanatology.
Wang Q
Forensic Sci Int · 2026 Jun · PMID 42308828 · Publisher ↗
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BR-FDP-SKIN: Brazilian forensic DNA Skin phenotyping based on machine learning models.
Weimer RD, Gonçalves CEI, Behrens LMP … +5 more , Boiani M, Silva EFA, Bicalho MDG, Alho CS, Dorn M
Forensic Sci Int · 2026 Jun · PMID 42308827 · Publisher ↗
Accurate prediction of skin pigmentation from DNA remains challenging, particularly in admixed populations due to their complex genetic architecture. In this study, we evaluated a panel of 66 SNPs associated with pigment...
Accurate prediction of skin pigmentation from DNA remains challenging, particularly in admixed populations due to their complex genetic architecture. In this study, we evaluated a panel of 66 SNPs associated with pigmentation in an admixed South Brazilian population from Rio Grande do Sul (n=438), phenotypically classified into six Fitzpatrick skin types. Three grouping strategies (six, three, and two classes) were adopted, and feature selection was performed using VariantSpark to identify the 20 most informative SNPs. Four machine learning algorithms (SVM, KNN, MLP, and XGBoost) were tested and optimized via recursive feature addition and hyperparameter tuning. Model performance was assessed using the weighted F1-score, accuracy, precision, and recall across 30 replicates. In the six-class grouping strategy, SVM achieved the highest F1-score (0.4846±0.0067), although PCA showed substantial overlap between classes. XGBoost under the three-class grouping scheme achieved an F1-score of 0.7839±0.0047, while binary classification with SVM reached the highest performance (F1-score =0.9530±0.0031). A subset of four SNPs-rs1426654 (SLC24A5), rs11230664 (DDB1), rs16891982 (SLC45A2), and rs1448484 (OCA2)-were consistently ranked as the most informative across all grouping strategies. Furthermore, our optimized SNP panel diverged significantly from HIrisPlex-S, incorporating a set of variants absent in the established system. This study demonstrates that tailored SNP selection and phenotypic grouping strategies are essential for accurate skin color prediction in admixed populations. The resulting models were implemented into the open-access tool BR-FDP-SKIN, providing a population-specific resource for forensic and anthropological applications.
The next frontier in forensic genetics: Single-cell genetic analysis and its expanding role.
Ballantyne J, Grgicak CM, Marciano MA
Forensic Sci Int Genet · 2026 Jun · PMID 42308705 · Publisher ↗
Standard short tandem repeat (STR) DNA profiling has transformed forensic science by enabling reliable human identification across routine and complex casework. However, conventional 'bulk' DNA extraction and analysis in...
Standard short tandem repeat (STR) DNA profiling has transformed forensic science by enabling reliable human identification across routine and complex casework. However, conventional 'bulk' DNA extraction and analysis inherently co-detect alleles from all biological contributors within a stain, thus potentially confounding the interpretation of DNA mixtures. Probabilistic genotyping software (PGS) has greatly improved the recovery of probative genetic information however complex mixtures such as those involving numerous individuals, first-degree relatives, or contributors present at low template levels, remain resistant to complete or confident deconvolution. Single-cell forensic genetics has emerged as a promising solution to these limitations. Rather than analyzing a pooled mixture of cellular and cell-free material, single-cell approaches isolate and genotype individual cells, typically tens to hundreds per sample, and statistically aggregate these profiles to infer the constituent single-source donor genotypes. In this review, we examine the evolution of single-cell DNA analysis (scDNA) within forensic science; current methods for cell recovery, isolation, and genotyping; approaches to data interpretation; casework applications; limitations and validation challenges; and future research directions. We place special emphasis on the significant methodological advances and empirical findings that have emerged in the past several years. Collectively, these developments signal that single-cell analysis may become an important supplement to established forensic DNA methods, particularly for the most challenging mixture types encountered in casework.
Using hierarchical Bayesian modelling to assess shedder test suitability.
Taylor D, Minck M, Linacre A … +2 more , van Oorschot RAH, Goray M
Forensic Sci Int Genet · 2026 Jun · PMID 42302711 · Publisher ↗
Advances in trace DNA analysis, in combination with increased ability to detect minute amounts of DNA, necessitated research investment into the understanding of the factors relevant to DNA-TPPR, including individuals' a...
Advances in trace DNA analysis, in combination with increased ability to detect minute amounts of DNA, necessitated research investment into the understanding of the factors relevant to DNA-TPPR, including individuals' ability to deposit their trace DNA, termed their shedder status. Variability in shedder tests and assessment methods, in combination with limited data routinely published, currently limits a scientist's ability to utilize such data in casework circumstances while also raising questions on which of the myriads of methods is the most appropriate going forward. In the present study, we investigated trace DNA deposition by 5 individuals gripping a plastic tube using several of the most common conditions related to duration since handwashing (unwashed, 15 min post-wash, and 1-hour post-wash). Five replicates were undertaken per method, with the aim of developing a method for determining the best shedder test when limited data is available. Hierarchical Bayesian modelling (HBM) was used to compare five different modelling structures for the data. The most supported model was chosen and used to provide insights about the performance of each shedder test method and ultimately choose the best method for determining shedder status. The Bayesian modelling approach offers advantages in certain situations by providing posterior parameter distributions that avoid binary significance interpretations. The results from the models described in this study showed that Method 3 (testing 1-hour after a hand wash) was best for shedder classification of those tested. This method most closely resembles personal natural behaviour while still allowing for some standardisation of the protocol. We use the data from this study to generate a shedder distribution and show how the knowledge of where an individual falls on the shedder distribution can be incorporated into an evaluation framework such as a Bayesian network that might be used in an evaluation of observations given activity level propositions.
An in silico evaluation of tri-allelic SNPs from 1kGP Phase IV data for distant kinship identification and mixture analysis.
Zhao L, Ma G, Lu C … +7 more , Fu G, Wang Q, Wang J, Fu L, Zhai X, Cong B, Li S
Forensic Sci Int Genet · 2026 Jun · PMID 42296932 · Publisher ↗
Multi-allelic Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) are a class of genetic markers in forensic genetics, potentially offering higher discriminatory power than their bi-allelic counterparts. However, well-characterized p...
Multi-allelic Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) are a class of genetic markers in forensic genetics, potentially offering higher discriminatory power than their bi-allelic counterparts. However, well-characterized panels specifically designed and evaluated for distant kinship identification and complex mixture analysis remain limited. Here, we developed a marker set of tri-allelic SNPs by applying a rigorous, multi-stage filtering process to the 1000 Genomes Project Phase IV high-coverage data. The process included stringent quality and polymorphism criteria followed by Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (HWE) testing and linkage disequilibrium (LD) pruning, yielding a final set of 2495 markers. Extensive in silico simulations under idealized conditions showed high discriminatory power of the set for distinguishing up to 3rd-degree relatives from unrelated individuals, with potential for investigating 4th-degree relationships. For mixture analysis, the set estimated the number of contributors (NOC) in 2- to 5-person mixtures with high accuracy under the simulation framework. Furthermore, we established a quantitative framework to estimate the Minimum Necessary Number (MNN) of markers required for these analyses, providing guidance for future panel design. Overall, this study presented a rigorously vetted set of 2495 tri-allelic SNPs and established performance benchmarks within an in silico framework, highlighting the potential utility of multi-allelic markers for forensic applications.
Inheritance patterns of mitochondrial DNA in multi-generational maternal pedigrees: Insights from mitochondrial whole-genome sequencing.
Lun M, Yang X, Xiao G … +11 more , Xu Q, Liu C, Han X, Yang C, Wu W, Ye L, Liu Z, Yang P, Chen X, Chen L, Liu C
Forensic Sci Int Genet · 2026 Jun · PMID 42296931 · Publisher ↗
Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) exhibits unique advantages in forensic analysis and maternal lineage identification. However, its inherent heteroplasmy presents a moderate limitation to its application in forensic genetics. Th...
Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) exhibits unique advantages in forensic analysis and maternal lineage identification. However, its inherent heteroplasmy presents a moderate limitation to its application in forensic genetics. The purpose of this study is to explore the inheritance patterns of mtDNA across three-generation and two-generation maternal pedigrees. Employing the Ion S5™ XL System in conjunction with the Precision ID mtDNA Whole Genome Panel, we conducted mtDNA whole-genome sequencing on mtDNA extracted from buccal swabs of 248 individuals from 73 maternal pedigrees. Our results indicate that the sequencing depth in the 8622-8796 region was relatively low with the Precision ID mtDNA Whole Genome Panel, leading to a relatively high occurrence of missing variants in this region. We recommend performing multiple checks for this region to ensure accurate variant detection, particularly in maternal lineage identification. Notably, no homoplasmic mutations were detected within the same maternal pedigree, 35 heteroplasmic variants were identified among 30 samples from 18 pedigrees, accounting for 12.10% of individuals. Sanger sequencing corroborated the presence of heteroplasmic variants at the corresponding nucleotide positions in most heteroplasmic samples from three-generation pedigrees. Heteroplasmic variants demonstrated instability during maternal transmission, with allelic frequencies exhibiting erratic fluctuations across different maternal pedigrees. Although some point heteroplasmies were transmitted, no significant correlation was found in the frequencies of variant alleles between mothers and their offspring. Heteroplasmic variants should not be considered as exclusionary indicators in maternal lineage identification. However, when two samples with identical haplotypes exhibit identical point heteroplasmies, particularly when the minor alleles are consistent, these shared variants may serve as corroborative evidence supporting the hypothesis of a common maternal origin.
The role of forensic evidence in Indonesia's criminal justice.
Bakhtiar HS, Ilyas A, Kholiq A … +2 more , Bakhtiar HS, Yusup A
Forensic Sci Int Synerg · 2026 Jun · PMID 42294484 · Full text
This study aims, first, to analyse the position of forensic evidence in the criminal justice process in Indonesia; and second, to examine the extent to which forensic evidence is effectively employed as a basis of proof...
This study aims, first, to analyse the position of forensic evidence in the criminal justice process in Indonesia; and second, to examine the extent to which forensic evidence is effectively employed as a basis of proof by judges and public prosecutors in the criminal justice process in Indonesia. This study was conducted in two stages, namely a doctrinal analysis of legal regulations in Indonesia and an empirical study through the collection of court decisions betwen January 2023 and December 2024 from four district courts representing three regions of Indonesia. The role of forensic evidence in Indonesian criminal procedure remains problematic owing to the absence of explicit regulation. At present, it is not formally recognised as a distinct evidentiary category under the Criminal Procedure Code, but rather subsumed under expert testimony, documentary evidence, or indications as stipulated in Article 184. This ambiguity diminishes the attention given by law enforcement officials, prosecutors, and judges to the probative value of forensic science. Data from four district courts between January 2023 and December 2024 show that there are five categories of cases with the highest percentages decided on the basis of forensic evidence, namely narcotics offences (96.26%), assault (94.61%), firearms and sharp weapons offences (92.08%), electronic information and transactions offences (72.63%), and corruption (59.38%). It is therefore recommended that forensic evidence be specifically classified as an independent category of evidence within Indonesian criminal procedural law, in order to strengthen objectivity, enhance fairness, and ensure a more reliable criminal justice system.
A rare and atypical case of long-distance indirect DNA transfer: Contamination from an investigator never present at the scene.
Gao L, Liu Z, Ren W … +4 more , Liu S, Di P, Sun H, Liu Z
Forensic Sci Int Genet · 2026 Jun · PMID 42285020 · Publisher ↗
To maximize the usefulness of DNA obtained from biological samples in forensic genetics, it is crucial to avoid DNA contamination throughout all procedures, from sample collection at crime scenes to STR profile generatio...
To maximize the usefulness of DNA obtained from biological samples in forensic genetics, it is crucial to avoid DNA contamination throughout all procedures, from sample collection at crime scenes to STR profile generation in DNA laboratories. This study reports a rare and atypical case of DNA contamination in a forensic setting. During the analysis of biological evidence from a cold case preserved for 18 years, the STR profile obtained from the surface of a plastic bag matched that of an investigator, identified through the DNA elimination database. Case reconstruction confirmed that the investigator-who was located 80 km from the DNA laboratory and had never entered the crime scene or the sample storage room-was not a suspect and that the obtained STR profile originated from contamination. The most plausible explanation for the contamination was indirect transfer: investigator's DNA had adhered to a colleague's clothing and was subsequently dislodged and deposited onto the surface of the plastic bag as the colleague approached the sample pretreatment area. This study integrates trace DNA profiling of challenged samples with rapid contamination investigation and proposes prevention and control measures. This case underscores that, although DNA is widely regarded as the "gold standard" in forensic genetics, its interpretation must be considered within the context of the entire case. Conclusions should not be drawn based solely on a single DNA result.
Evidentiary evaluation of complex low-template DNA mixtures using high-efficiency microhaplotype panels.
Tan M, Xue J, Wu M … +9 more , Jiang H, Wu Q, Zheng Y, Liu G, Lv M, Liao M, Zhang L, Qu S, Liang W
Forensic Sci Int Genet · 2026 Jun · PMID 42285019 · Publisher ↗
Low-template DNA mixtures pose substantial analytical challenges owing to limited genetic information, allelic dropout, and increasing complexity arising from multiple contributors and imbalanced mixture proportions. Usi...
Low-template DNA mixtures pose substantial analytical challenges owing to limited genetic information, allelic dropout, and increasing complexity arising from multiple contributors and imbalanced mixture proportions. Using highly informative genetic markers in combination with fully continuous probabilistic genotyping (PG) models has been widely recognized as a promising strategy for improving the interpretation of complex DNA mixtures. Accordingly, in this study, we evaluated the evidential performance of low-template DNA mixtures using high-efficiency next-generation sequencing-based microhaplotype (MH) marker systems in combination with PG. Three MH panels (55-, 67-, and 87-plex) were examined under forensically relevant conditions, including low DNA input (down to 0.05 ng), increasing numbers of contributors (up to four), and extreme mixture ratios (up to 1:40). Likelihood ratio (LR) distributions were generated using the EuroForMix software by designating either a true minor contributor or a non-contributor as the person of interest. In two-person balanced mixtures, all panels produced reliable results even at the lowest DNA input, consistently distinguishing true contributors from non-contributors, including close relatives. In complex multi-person mixtures, panels with relatively higher polymorphism improved genotype resolution, reducing spurious LR inflation for relatives and enhancing contributor/non-contributor separation. Under highly imbalanced conditions, panels with higher locus counts partially compensated for allelic information losses and retained limited but informative discriminatory power. These findings indicate that MH panel performance is strongly context-dependent, impacted by mixture composition, locus number, and marker polymorphism. As supplementary analyses, mixture deconvolution accuracy was assessed using a mixture proportion deviation metric (D), and kinship inference was explored in the absence of direct reference profiles by comparing LR support for close relatives versus unrelated individuals. Overall, these results provide valuable insights for guiding panel design, analytical strategies, and interpretation frameworks for increasingly challenging forensic DNA mixture analysis.
Leveraging microhaplotype information from hybridization capture SNP panels to enhance pairwise kinship inference.
Wang H, Shan T, Wang Y … +4 more , Hou T, Yang C, Cai Y, Zhu Q
Forensic Sci Int Genet · 2026 Jun · PMID 42275995 · Publisher ↗
Hybridization capture-based single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) panels have been widely adopted for forensic kinship inference, yet conventional analysis treats each captured SNP independently, potentially underutilizin...
Hybridization capture-based single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) panels have been widely adopted for forensic kinship inference, yet conventional analysis treats each captured SNP independently, potentially underutilizing the genetic information embedded within enriched DNA fragments. Here, we present a bioinformatic strategy that transforms dense SNP panels into microhaplotype (MH) panels by extending core SNPs into fragment-level haplotypes, without altering probe design or laboratory workflows. Using a capture panel targeting 5761 autosomal SNPs, we successfully converted 5186 loci into MHs by identifying additional polymorphic sites within captured fragments. The resulting SNP-extended panel exhibited substantially increased allelic diversity and effective allele numbers compared with the original SNP panel, while maintaining stable read depth and heterozygote balance across 69 true samples. Three parent-offspring pairs yielded discordant results at individual loci, each attributable to single-SNP mutations within an MH allele, illustrating the interpretative advantage of haplotype-level data. Performance evaluation using simulated pedigrees encompassing six relationship types demonstrated that the SNP-extended panel consistently outperformed the SNP-only panel in pairwise kinship inference under both likelihood ratio (LR) and maximum-LR frameworks, with the most pronounced improvements observed for third-degree and more distant relationships. Validation with true samples from two extended pedigrees confirmed the practical applicability of the approach. This study provides proof of concept that bioinformatic reinterpretation of capture-based SNP data into MHs offers a scalable and cost-effective pathway to further improve the discriminatory power of existing SNP panels for forensic kinship analysis.
Temperature-dependent alterations in skeletal muscle during the postmortem interval: Structural, metabolic, and lncRNA expression changes.
Zhang J, Chen J, Wu X … +2 more , Zhong Y, Li S
Forensic Sci Int · 2026 Jun · PMID 42263490 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Estimation of the postmortem interval (PMI) remains a challenge in forensic practice. Although environmental temperature is known to influence postmortem biological processes, its effects on structural, metab...
BACKGROUND: Estimation of the postmortem interval (PMI) remains a challenge in forensic practice. Although environmental temperature is known to influence postmortem biological processes, its effects on structural, metabolic, and transcriptional changes in skeletal muscle remain poorly characterized. METHODS: Male C57 mice were euthanized and carcasses were maintained at 30 °C, 20 °C, or 4 °C. Skeletal muscle samples were collected at 0, 4, 8, 12, 24, and 36 h postmortem. Histological alterations were assessed by H&E staining. Adenylate energy status was evaluated by measuring ATP, ADP, and AMP using high-performance liquid chromatography, followed by calculation of energy charge and the ATP/ADP ratio. Autophagy-related markers were analyzed by Western blot, transmission electron microscopy, and immunofluorescence. Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) expression profiles were examined by sequencing, and selected candidates were validated by quantitative PCR. RESULTS: Skeletal muscle structure progressively deteriorated with increasing PMI, with changes occurring earlier at 30 °C and delayed at 4 °C. ATP levels declined postmortem in all groups, accompanied by increased AMP and reduced energy charge and ATP/ADP ratio. The decline in energy status was accelerated at higher temperature and was slowed at lower temperature. Autophagy-related markers showed early elevation followed by a later reduction, with peak changes occurring earlier at higher temperature and later at lower temperature. Transcriptomic analysis identified 1643 high-confidence lncRNAs. Differential expression patterns varied among temperature groups. Six candidate lncRNAs displayed distinct time-dependent expression trajectories under different temperature conditions, and their temporal trends were described using fourth-order polynomial regression (R = 0.87-0.92). CONCLUSION: Postmortem skeletal muscle exhibits structural, metabolic, and transcriptional alterations that are influenced by environmental temperature. These temperature-dependent temporal patterns may provide molecular information relevant to PMI assessment.
Unravelling tool paint using FTIR spectroscopy: Chemical identification, discrimination study and creation of a database for robust frequency estimations.
Vanneste F, Lunstroot K
Forensic Sci Int · 2026 Jun · PMID 42263489 · Publisher ↗
Tool paint, although frequently encountered at crime scenes, has not received as much attention as other types of paint in the forensic literature. The current study fills this gap with a unique database of 400 paint sam...
Tool paint, although frequently encountered at crime scenes, has not received as much attention as other types of paint in the forensic literature. The current study fills this gap with a unique database of 400 paint samples from 388 tools, developed over 15 years. After examination, the paint on each tool was sampled and analysed using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy in transmission mode. Based on these results, the chemical composition of each paint was determined. Additionally, these spectra were compared followed by a calculation of the discriminating power (DP) and an evaluation of FTIR's effectiveness in distinguishing between different tool paint samples. Red, black, blue and orange paints dominate the tool collection with red being the most prevalent colour in the database. FTIR analysis revealed 22 different binder systems with a terephthalic or orthophthalic alkyd being present in 95% of the samples. Inorganic components such as barium sulphate and calcium carbonate were found in two-thirds of the paint samples, with their presence being strongly influenced by the chosen binder system. The overall DP of FTIR for tool paint is 0.982, confirming its strong discriminating potential. Additionally, the DP is calculated for different subsets of the database and compared to literature values. A practical method to calculate a likelihood ratio (LR) for source level evaluation, based exclusively on the chemical composition of tool paint samples, is presented. Using this approach and the study's results, LR values ranging from 5 to 400 were obtained. This study provides valuable population data for tool paints in Belgium and highlights the need for studies in different geographical areas. The developed database and the discussed findings can serve as a foundation for future research and will support forensic practitioners to interpret their findings in a more consistent manner using Bayesian reasoning.
Evaluation of AutoMate and EZ2 extraction methods with surface cleaning pretreatments for ancient DNA recovery from pre-Hispanic individual using STR and SNP analyses.
Navarro-Romero MT, Aguirre-Samudio AJ, Martínez-Campos C … +2 more , Hernández-Ramírez D, Martínez-Romero W
Forensic Sci Int Genet · 2026 Jun · PMID 42263326 · Publisher ↗
The recovery of ancient DNA (aDNA) from skeletal remains continues to be a critical challenge in forensic genetics and paleogenomics due to its high fragmentation, low quantity, and susceptibility to exogenous contaminat...
The recovery of ancient DNA (aDNA) from skeletal remains continues to be a critical challenge in forensic genetics and paleogenomics due to its high fragmentation, low quantity, and susceptibility to exogenous contamination. This study assessed the combined effect of four surface cleaning pretreatments (PT) and two automated extraction methods, AutoMate Express (AM) and EZ2 Connect Fx (EZ), on aDNA recovery from a pre-Hispanic individual dated to the Postclassic period (950-1521 CE). The pretreatments included chlorine (C), chlorine with ultraviolet irradiation (CUV), chlorine with bone fragment demineralization (CDB), chlorine with bone powder demineralization (CDP), and a non-treated control (NT). DNA quantity and quality were assessed using spectrophotometry, fluorometry, and quantitative PCR (qPCR), while genetic profiling was evaluated using autosomal short tandem repeat (A-STR) analysis and next-generation sequencing (NGS) of STR and SNP markers. The EZ method consistently generated higher DNA concentrations and greater amounts of amplifiable human DNA than the AM method across all pretreatments. However, differences in input mass limit direct comparisons (200 mg for EZ vs. 80 mg for AM); after normalization, EZ maintained a general performance advantage. STR analysis revealed more informative partial profiles with EZ, particularly under CDB and CUV pretreatments, while NGS results also favored EZ, showing improved locus recovery and higher read depth. Extraction methodology was the primary determinant of DNA recovery, with PT providing additional profiling. This study provides an optimized workflow for degraded human DNA, with direct relevance to forensic genetics and paleogenomics.
Facial petechial hemorrhages after cardiopulmonary resuscitation in adults: A pilot study.
Janssens L, van den Hombergh FGM, Postma S … +2 more , Dormans T, Latten BGH
Forensic Sci Int · 2026 Jun · PMID 42259038 · Publisher ↗
INTRODUCTION: Facial petechial hemorrhages (FPH) are small dermal or mucosal hemorrhages traditionally associated with impaired venous return, including neck or thorax compression in forensic contexts. Cardiopulmonary re...
INTRODUCTION: Facial petechial hemorrhages (FPH) are small dermal or mucosal hemorrhages traditionally associated with impaired venous return, including neck or thorax compression in forensic contexts. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) generates major intrathoracic pressure fluctuations and mechanical forces that could theoretically contribute to FPH formation, but available evidence is limited and confounded. This pilot study aimed to determine the prevalence and duration of FPH after CPR in adults and to explore patient and treatment characteristics associated with their occurrence. METHODS: We performed a prospective observational study among adults who underwent in- or prehospital CPR and were subsequently admitted to a regional teaching hospital from 01 to july 1st 2022 to June 1st 2025. Physicians assessed the presence of FPH at four time points: as soon as possible after CPR, and at approximately 24, 48, and 72 h. Data on demographics, medical history, cause of cardiac arrest, CPR duration, use of a mechanical chest compression device (AutoPulse®), and peri-arrest anticoagulant or antiplatelet therapy were retrospectively extracted from medical records. Statistical analyses included Chi-square tests and t-tests, with significance set at p ≤ 0.05. RESULTS: Seventy patients were analyzed. FPH were observed in 18 patients (25.7%) during the first examination, most frequently on the lip mucosa, conjunctivae, and eyelids. Of these 18 patients, only four patients had complete 72-hour follow-up; in two, FPH resolved within 24 h, and in two, between 48 and 72 h. No patient or treatment characteristics, including age, sex, medication use, CPR duration, or AutoPulse® use, showed significant associations with FPH, although longer CPR and mechanical compressions showed non-significant trends toward higher prevalence. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that FPH are relatively common after CPR and may persist up to 72 h. Although no specific patient or treatment factors were significantly associated with their occurrence, observed trends highlight the need for larger studies to better identify determinants of FPH after CPR and to support accurate clinical and forensic interpretation.
Verification of the Phadebas® forensic press test for the screening of human saliva.
Cañete FT, Williams L, Parry R … +2 more , Smith S, Watherston J
Forensic Sci Int Synerg · 2026 Jun · PMID 42254710 · Full text
The Phadebas® Forensic Press Test (PFPT) is widely employed in forensic laboratories for presumptive saliva screening by observation of α-amylase activity. This enzyme hydrolyses starch embedded in the test paper, result...
The Phadebas® Forensic Press Test (PFPT) is widely employed in forensic laboratories for presumptive saliva screening by observation of α-amylase activity. This enzyme hydrolyses starch embedded in the test paper, resulting in a blue reaction when positive. Although designed to assist in locating areas of possible saliva staining on exhibits, other α-amylase containing substances such as urine, vaginal secretions, faeces, and laundry detergents have also produced positive results, limiting the test's specificity. This study aimed to verify the test's suitability as a presumptive tool within the evidence recovery unit of a forensic laboratory. A range of human biological fluids and non-biological substances were tested across 10 different substrate types. Substances evaluated for specificity were in part informed by gaps identified in the literature to date and by operational casework relevance. The sensitivity and specificity were evaluated to assess practical reliability in forensic casework. Results demonstrated variability in the test's sensitivity across the 10 different substrate types, showing that material composition influences the visibility and clarity of reactions. Reactivity was observed with several non-saliva substances, including semen, breast milk, faeces, and laundry detergent. This supports earlier study findings on the test's low specificity. Given these outcomes, the test is not reliable for confirming the presence of saliva. However, it remains valuable in guiding targeted sampling for subsequent DNA analysis. Given the low specificity and limited sensitivity in certain substrates, scientists should be aware of the test's limitations and consider the case context, the substrate, and any alternative explanations for positive results.
Forensic trace DNA analysis to answer activity-level questions in a realistic-scenario activity study based upon the case of Idaho v Bryan C. Kohberger.
Alviar A, Wickenheiser R, Hall A
Forensic Sci Int Synerg · 2026 Jun · PMID 42254709 · Full text
An activity-level proposition is a hypothesis informed by case information about actions at a crime scene; it aids the fact-finder in addressing the "how" and "when" of the evidence, not just the "who." Activity-level re...
An activity-level proposition is a hypothesis informed by case information about actions at a crime scene; it aids the fact-finder in addressing the "how" and "when" of the evidence, not just the "who." Activity-level reporting focuses on probabilities of the findings [or results] from crime scene evidence given alternate propositions. Empirical data generated by simulating real-life activity scenarios can be of great value to the forensic scientist in their evaluations of crime scene evidence. In this study, experiments were designed to approximate circumstances relevant to the case of the State of Idaho vs Bryan C. Kohberger, whose DNA was found on a knife sheath at the apartment where four University of Idaho students were stabbed to death. Two competing activity-level propositions concerning the origin of the DNA on the knife sheath were examined: 1) Kohberger touched the snap (direct DNA transfer), or 2) Kohberger, the POI, shook hands with another person who touched the snap (indirect DNA transfer). Empirical data were generated by simulating both activity pathways independently, quantifying DNA recovery and generating DNA profiles to inform the probabilities used to evaluate the findings given the competing activity-level propositions. Significantly greater quantities of POI DNA were recovered following direct transfer, and major POI DNA profiles were more likely if a direct transfer occurred rather than an indirect transfer.
The impact of algae growth on forensic evidence: Considerations for latent fingermark visualisation strategies.
Cutler D, Hussey L, Maishman T … +2 more , Sears V, Fieldhouse S
Forensic Sci Int · 2026 May · PMID 42247923 · Publisher ↗
The recovery of latent fingermarks from wetted items can present a challenge to forensic scientists. This study investigated the effect of submersion in a natural water environment in the United Kingdom on mark recoverab...
The recovery of latent fingermarks from wetted items can present a challenge to forensic scientists. This study investigated the effect of submersion in a natural water environment in the United Kingdom on mark recoverability, exploring fingermark age prior to submersion and length of time submerged. In total, 5400 natural fingermarks were donated. These were deposited on three types of non-porous samples that were then aged for three different lengths of time, before half were submerged in a lake for three different durations. Fingermarks of identifiable quality were only recovered from samples submerged for 24 h. Samples that were submerged for longer became heavily contaminated with algae, which had a significant and detrimental effect on fingermark recovery. Only 0.7% of the marks deposited on submerged samples were visualised to be of identifiable quality, compared to 51% for the non-submerged samples. Superglue Fuming was slightly more effective than Powder Suspension on these sample types, although the difference was only statistically significant on the non-submerged stainless-steel samples and due to the low numbers of marks recovered; the results for the submerged samples should be treated with caution. This study highlights the requirement for further field work to understand critical factors in localised environments.
Assessing the effectiveness of DNA barcoding in shark identification.
Xiao W, Di Y, Chu X … +1 more , Liu X
Forensic Sci Int · 2026 Jun · PMID 42247922 · Publisher ↗
The conservation status of shark populations has become increasingly concerning, with many species at risk of extinction, largely due to the shark fin trade. Effective conservation and regulation of illegal shark fin tra...
The conservation status of shark populations has become increasingly concerning, with many species at risk of extinction, largely due to the shark fin trade. Effective conservation and regulation of illegal shark fin trading require accurate identification of shark species from samples. However, traditional DNA barcoding techniques have shown certain limitations during their application. To overcome these issues, this study systematically analyzed shark cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene sequences, focusing on the distribution of genetic distances among shark populations and the investigation of DNA barcode gaps at the species level. Our results revealed that the current public shark COI dataset contains inaccuracies, including mislabeled barcodes and species misidentifications. In response, a curated and high-quality reference database for shark species identification was established. Analysis of genetic divergence showed considerable variation in both intraspecific and interspecific distances was observed across different sharks, with 149 out of 353 species displaying clear barcode gaps. Identification thresholds were also found to vary among species. Additionally, twelve COI primer pairs were evaluated, with those developed by Inoue et al. showing superior performance on degraded samples. Application of COI barcoding to 258 shark fin specimens successfully identified the majority of samples, although it failed to discriminate among four closely related species. In contrast, 16S rRNA markers improved resolution, and instances of COI misidentification were attributed to errors within the database. Notably, a significant data imbalance remains, with 56 shark species represented by only a single COI sequence and 208 species lack any reliable reference barcodes. This study not only curated and established a comprehensive DNA barcode library for shark species identification but also evaluated the effectiveness of various primers, offering a valuable framework to standardize species identification procedures.
Corrigendum to "DNA methylation profiling for a confirmatory test for blood, saliva, semen, vaginal fluid and menstrual blood" [Forensic Sci. Int. Genet. 24 (2016) 75-82].
Lee HY, Jung SE, Lee EH … +2 more , Yang WI, Shin KJ
Forensic Sci Int Genet · 2026 Jun · PMID 42242971 · Publisher ↗
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